Tacoma Collaborative Law Attorney: Protecting Your Future And Family
Collaborative law is an excellent alternative for resolving disputes in divorces and other family law matters. I am attorney Teena Johnson from the Law Office of Teena Johnson, and I believe strongly in the benefits of collaborative law. My training allows me to assist my clients in navigating conflict in a gentler and easier way. A collaborative law approach upholds each individual’s dignity, supports both spouses’ objectives, provides more privacy, and fosters solutions through open communication.
Conflict Resolution Without Litigation
I believe that we can resolve serious conflicts in divorce without the expense and spirit-crushing experience of going to court. I have seen it, and I have helped make it happen. Negotiating settlements outside of court is often in the best interests of my clients. It saves time and money, reduces stress and spares children from lasting emotional trauma.
The Collaborative Team Approach, Your Support System
When you work with me, you aren’t just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining access to a hand-picked team of South Sound collaborative professionals dedicated to one goal: your family’s successful transition. I have an extensive network of professional resources in areas of finance, business, asset evaluation, family dynamics and child psychology. From financial divorce planners to child specialists, these experts provide the specialized know-how needed to reach mutually acceptable solutions.
A Simplified Path Forward
The collaborative process doesn’t have to be a mystery. We break the journey into three achievable steps:
- The commitment: Both spouses and their attorneys sign a “Participation Agreement” to stay out of court.
- The meetings: We hold structured, private sessions to discuss finances, parenting and assets with total transparency.
- The resolution: We draft a customized agreement that reflects your family’s unique needs, which is then finalized by the court without a trial.
This structured approach ensures that you remain the architect of your own future, rather than leaving life-changing decisions to a judge.
My Credentials In Collaborative Law
Extensive training in collaborative law, conflict resolution and mediation forms the foundation of my practice. Through years of working with dozens of couples to resolve divorces or legal separations, I have seen firsthand the significant benefits this approach delivers. Additionally, I serve as a member and past president of both the Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County and the Collaborative Professionals of Washington.
When mutual respect and an agreement to manage differences are maintained between individuals, both can usually move forward successfully. It is not necessary for the spouses to be in agreement at the beginning or even to be all that amicable. What is necessary is to have an open mind and a willingness to work together, with the help of professionals, to discuss and sort through the various issues involved in a marital separation.
In collaborative law, each side has an attorney, and everyone agrees to work together to resolve disputes and, most importantly, to stay out of court. When you are my client, I will help you make your own decisions, which empowers you to achieve both satisfactory solutions and closure.
Collaborative Law FAQ
Below, we have addressed common concerns we hear from clients.
Do we have to be “amicable” to do a collaborative divorce?
Not necessarily. Many couples enter the collaborative process with frustration, hurt feelings or communication problems that have built up over time. Collaborative divorce in Washington is designed to create structure and productive discussions even when emotions are still high.
In many situations, the focus is not on whether spouses get along perfectly, but whether they are both willing to work toward resolutions without turning the process into a courtroom battle. The following are often reasons people still choose collaborative divorce even when tensions exist:
- They want to protect their children from conflict: Parents often recognize that constant litigation can place emotional pressure on children even after separation begins.
- They value privacy: Collaborative discussions are generally handled outside of open court, which can help families avoid unnecessary public exposure.
Even difficult conversations can become more manageable when both parties commit to a respectful process with clear goals in mind.
Can we do collaborative divorce if one spouse lives out of state?
Yes, in many cases, collaborative divorce can still move forward when one spouse lives outside Washington. Remote meetings, document sharing and scheduled negotiations often make the process more flexible for families dealing with work relocations, military service or temporary living arrangements.
Even then, Washington courts still require certain legal residency and filing requirements to be met. As such, it is important to confirm that the case has been properly filed and that both parties understand which state laws apply to the divorce proceedings.
These situations may involve additional concerns:
- Parenting schedules across state lines: Travel arrangements, school schedules and holidays often require careful planning.
- Division of property in multiple locations: Real estate, retirement accounts and shared assets may involve different legal and financial considerations.
Out-of-state divorces can remain collaborative, but they often require thoughtful coordination from the beginning.
Do we have to appear in court at all if we settle collaboratively?
In many Washington collaborative divorce cases, court involvement is minimal. When spouses successfully reach agreements on property, parenting plans and financial matters, much of the conflict that normally leads to litigation is avoided.
Some cases may still require brief court appearances or final paperwork approvals, depending on the county and circumstances involved. Even so, the process is generally far less adversarial than traditional divorce litigation.
Ready For A Better Way Forward?
Don’t let a courtroom define your family’s future. Let’s sit down for a strategy session and see if the collaborative process is the right fit for your situation. Call my office at 253-210-2872 or send me an email to schedule your initial consultation.